El Fuerte Fire Fund to Help Kevin Rebuild
Donation protected
Many have asked how to help rebuild after this devastating event. Some of you have already offered time and resources and we thank you immensely.
For those who don’t know, 80-90% of Kevin's beautiful property burned in the Rice's Crossing Fire on Tuesday, June 28th. Over twenty years of building, growth and creation has disappeared. Three housing structures, solar panels, water towers, his newly finished music studio and equipment, 4x4 ATV, all his tools, antiques, family heirlooms and hundreds of beloved trees he considered friends - all gone.
Kevin's connection to music and nature goes beyond these items lost, but they represented his dedication to others who also love nature and music. Along with his brother Alex Catalyaud and band Boca do Rio, endless energy and creative avenues have been carved into this space, inviting the contageous spirit of rhythm and dance to thrive among the many visitors who happened upon this joyous retreat. Other brothers in arms and supporting musicians, Big Sticky Mess, just finished their third album and were the first to record in the new studio space, tragically lost their equipment, also in the studio at the time of the fire. We hold their loss in ours and will rebuild together.
The mysteriously indestructible La Bodega sign, the water well and the little red outhouse is all that survived. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
For those who made it to El Fuerte this year, and whoever knows this property, you understand how profound this loss is. Our fundraining goal focuses on replacing solar power, generators and infrastructure to bring this magical space back to life.
We are in disbelief and humbled by this new reality, but hopeful and grateful for our community, family and friends. Please keep Kevin in your thoughts and stay connected when you can. Thank you for your love, support and kindness. These photos are from this past May's El Fuerte Fest, to inspire regrowth.
Together we can do this. ❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Christine Monique
Organizer
Sacramento, CA
Kevin Welch
Beneficiary